At cmr, we believe a happier healthcare workforce leads to better health for all. Strong, supportive leadership is at the heart of this, yet, for many women in healthcare, the path to leadership isn’t always clear.

For our International Women’s Day webinar, we brought together three inspiring healthcare leaders to share their insights on what it takes to thrive in leadership, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the lessons they’d pass on to the next generation.

Female leaders have unique strengths

Beyond technical expertise, our panellists highlighted the critical leadership skills women bring to the table, many of which are often undervalued!

Empathy & Emotional Intelligence as natural caregivers women bring strong communication skills to leadership roles. 

Multitasking & Crisis Management is delivered in spades when balancing multiple responsibilities in home and workplace environments, needing sharp decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

Adaptability & Resilience as many women who take non-linear career paths foster resilience and the ability to navigate change effectively.

Karyn Matterson summed it up perfectly: “Skills and capability that come from being a mother- like time management, emotional intelligence, and crisis management- are invaluable in leadership. We need to recognise those strengths.”

How to make a start in leadership

If you’re a woman in healthcare looking to take the next step in your career, here’s what the panellists recommend:

Find a Mentor & Build Your Network 
Seek out leaders who inspire you and learn from their experiences.

Advocate for Yourself & Others
Don’t wait for opportunities; put yourself forward and support other women in leadership. 

Challenge Imposter Syndrome
You don’t need to tick every box to be a great leader.. back yourself and step up. 

Say Yes to New Challenges
Even if it feels intimidating, take the leap. Growth comes from pushing past your comfort zone.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

“Your path won’t look like everyone else’s, and that’s okay. Embrace the unconventional and take up space in leadership.”

Ellen Rogers, Dentist in Charge in regional WA

“Say yes to opportunities. You have nothing to lose.”

Karyn Matterson, Director of Medical Services in rural QLD

“Never let a chance go by. Even if it seems daunting, take the leap.”

Lesley Woolf, OAM, Executive Manager in Indigenous Health

What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received? Share your insights on LinkedIn and Instagram on our post and use #ForAllWomenAndGirls to help inspire the next wave of female leaders.

Watch our International Women’s Day Webinar

Samantha Miklos, cmr founder and CEO
Ellen Rogers, a leading dentist in Geraldton, WA.
Karyn Matterson, Director of Medical Services at Blackwall Hospital in Outback Queensland.
Lesley Woolf, an OAM recipient and the Executive Manager of Health and Community Services at Malala Health Service in remote NT.